Top Rated Piña Colada Drink Recipe

Ingredients

50 ml Malibu Original

50 ml Pineapple Juice

25 ml Cream of Coconut

12.5 ml Lime Juice (optional)

Garnish: Pineapple Slice

Ice

1 part Malibu Original

1 part Pineapple Juice

0.5 parts Cream of Coconut

0.25 parts Lime Juice (optional)

Garnish: Pineapple Slice

Ice

2 oz Malibu Original

2 oz Pineapple Juice

1 oz Cream of Coconut

0.5 oz Lime Juice (optional)

Garnish: Pineapple Slice

Ice

Instructions

Prep time: 5 min

Fill a shaker with ice cubes
Pour in Malibu Original, pineapple juice, cream of coconut and lime juice (optional)
Shake for 8-12 seconds and strain into a hurricane glass with ice
Garnish with a pineapple slice and enjoy!

Malibu Pina Colada cocktail on a light blue sky

Two Malibu Pina Colada cocktails with a bottle of Malibu rum in a tropical setting

Malibu Piña Colada Cocktail against a blue background

Ingredients you’ll need

Malibu Original: Our favourite ingredient, obviously, Malibu adds that smooth and sweet coconut taste. Since it’s a low-abv white-rum based coconut spirit, it adds to the brightness of the Piña Colada. Over the years when hosting, we found that some friends preferred a stronger kick. If that’s you, we suggest halving the amount of Malibu and adding half of your favourite alternative. We also found that using a different Malibu flavour tastes incredible too.

Pineapple juice: This gives your Piña Colada a sweet and tangy taste and also balances the richness of the cream of coconut. The refreshing acidity brightens up the drink, making it more vibrant and giving it that signature tropical taste. We always recommend fresh pineapple juice, which is what we’ve used in this recipe as we found it has a smoother texture, nicer aroma and a more lively taste. To us, using canned pineapple juice can take away from the cleaner mouthfeel as it tends to be more syrupy and thicker due to the sugars or concentrates. But both can make a yummy Piña Colada. If your store is out of fresh pineapple juice, why not try making your own?

Cream of coconut: This key ingredient adds a distinct, rich sweetness, a velvety texture, and that signature tropical coconut flavour that makes the Piña Colada creamy and indulgent. It balances the tanginess of the pineapple juice while enhancing the coconut profile from Malibu Original, giving the cocktail a smooth, tropical feel. The cream of coconut also helps create that silky, luxurious mouthfeel typical of a great Piña Colada, making the drink feel more luscious and full-bodied.

Note: Cream of coconut and coconut cream are two different ingredients, and they can easily be confused when shopping. We used to use coconut cream in our past recipes, but found it is less sweet and made our Piña Colada split, while cream of coconut doesn’t. However, both ingredients work, so if you can’t find one, try the other.

Lime juice (optional): It adds a bright, citrusy acidity that balances the sweetness of the cream of coconut and pineapple juice, preventing your Piña Colada from becoming too heavy or overly sweet. It also enhances the overall flavour by adding a zesty, refreshing contrast, making the drink more layered and interesting on the palate. Lime juice is optional in this recipe, but we recommend it. If you don’t have any limes on hand, you can replace it with something acidic like lemon juice. It gives your drink a similar freshness, but it’s slightly less sweet and more tart than lime, but we found it still brightens up the drink and gives it a nice citrusy contrast.

Pineapple wedge: This classic garnish enhances the tropical presentation of the Piña Colada and adds a hint of fresh aroma. It also gives a visual cue to the drink’s key ingredient, pineapple juice, while making the cocktail look more appealing and inviting. Our secret tip when making this drink over the years is to squeeze the pineapple wedge into the drink. We find it adds that extra burst of flavour and lets you adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your taste. We love getting creative with our garnishes, so share your creations with us on social. @Malibu_rum

Ice: It helps mix the ingredients into a frosty, refreshingly tasty cocktail with a smooth, slushy texture that’s perfect for sunny days. Ice also slightly dilutes the drink, balancing the sweetness and richness of the cream of coconut and pineapple juice. When we first started making this drink, our biggest mistakes were over-shaking the drink and letting it sit for too long, which made our drink watery. So, we always recommend serving your Piña Colada straight away.

Tools you’ll need

Shaker: You need this for mixing and chilling the ingredients with ice. If you don’t have one, don’t stress, we’re certain you have something in your kitchen cupboards that will work just as well. We suggest using a mason jar, or any jar with a lid that’s tight-fitting. As long as it doesn’t spill when you shake it.

Jigger or Measuring Tool: This is for measuring the exact amounts of Malibu Original, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut. Here’s our tip, you can also use a shot glass or a tablespoon for the measurements.

Strainer: For straining the drink into the glass, ensuring a smooth texture by removing the ice.

Don’t have a strainer? You can use one of the following instead:
– Slotted Spoon: Hold a slotted spoon over the shaker as you pour to keep the ice inside while the liquid flows into the glass.
– Lid or Cover: Use the lid of your shaker or a similar cover to block the ice while pouring. Tilt the shaker slightly to let the liquid out while keeping the ice inside.
– Fine-Mesh Sieve: If you have a fine-mesh sieve or a small kitchen strainer, you can pour the drink through it to strain out the ice.

Knife and Cutting Board: To slice the pineapple wedge for garnish. Also, if you’re using any of the alternative methods of preparing the drink with pineapple wedges and blending. Just be careful and make sure the board’s not wet when cutting.

Glass: For serving the Piña Colada, we love using the classic hurricane glass. We find it’s big enough to fit the drink, ice and garnishes, with a flared shape that shows off the creamy, frothy texture. But it’s really up to you. Feel free to experiment and find the perfect glass for the occasion. Your drink, your choice!

How to make the perfect Piña Colada

OUR TIPS FOR MAKING THE PĨNA COLADA AT HOME

1. Shake hard for 8-12 seconds

Our Piña Colada recipe is shaken. We tried various shaking times for you and found that 8-12 seconds is the ideal amount to get that famous chilled, smooth and frothy texture. Be sure not to shake for too long to avoid ice dilution. When we were testing, this caused our Piña Colada to start to separate and it became watered down.

2. Serve immediately

We recommend serving your Piña Colada right after you’ve strained it into the glass and garnished it. This is when it’s the most appealing and so the ice doesn’t melt, making the ingredients separate. If it’s unavoidable, we suggest giving it a quick stir before serving for that smooth finish.

3. Use fresh pineapple juice

While you can use any kind of pineapple juice you like, we strongly suggest using fresh pineapple juice in your Piña Colada for an authentic flavour kick. It’s also less sweet than other varieties. To make your own, simply place some fresh or frozen pineapple chunks into a centrifuge juicer or blender and then strain into a jar.

4. Chill ingredients before mixing

The Piña Colada is best enjoyed frosty and chilled. This usually comes from the shaking with ice, but since it’s a shorter shake than other cocktails, we recommend chilling your ingredients beforehand. This ensures deliciousness in every sip. Our secret tip is to also chill your hurricane glass before serving.

5. Adjust the sweetness to your taste

Our Piña Colada recipe is supposed to be sweet and creamy. But every taste is different. So we say, make your Piña Colada as sweet (or not) as you like. Personally, we love a sweet cocktail, but we played around with some alternatives for you who may not like it as sweet as us, and we found that adding some lime juice balanced out the sweetness with its acidity. You can also halve the amount of Malibu and add half of another white rum. Or try switching to coconut cream, since it doesn’t contain any sugar.

Make a larger batch for friends

If you’re hosting a larger party or group of friends, we find that it’s easier to make a batch of Piña Coladas in a blender instead of shaking individual drinks. In this case, we suggest using our recipe below:

Ingredients (Serves 4):

200 ml Malibu Original
200 ml Pineapple Juice
100 ml Cream of Coconut
50 ml Lime Juice (Optional)
Garnish: Pineapple Slices

How to make it: Throw all ingredients into a blender without ice. Blend, strain and pour into a hurricane or highball glasses filled with ice. Garnish each drink with pineapple slices.

Piña Colada – A cultural icon

Let’s dive into this legendary drink’s hip and happening history. Back in the 1980s, a creative mixologist with a passion for paradise combined the smooth flavour of Malibu with the pure essence of pineapple and creamy coconut to create the perfect Piña Colada.

Fast forward to today, and this drink has become the unofficial anthem of carefree days and unforgettable nights. Whether you’re soaking up the sun at a music festival, dancing at a beach bonfire, or just chilling with friends, the Malibu Piña Colada is your passport to an instant tropical getaway.

Now, let’s talk taste – get ready for a party of flavours that’ll transport you straight to a beachside paradise. The luscious blend of Malibu Original brings a smooth kick, while the sweet notes of pineapple and the creamy coconut create a harmonious dance of flavours that’s both refreshing taste and indulgent. It’s like how you would describe a beach party in flavours, complete with the cool breeze and the sound of waves crashing!

So, grab your shades, cue the summer tunes, and make every moment feel like a beach day with the Malibu Piña Colada – this drink is your ticket to tropical adventure and sun-soaked memories.

Where did the Piña Colada come from?

The Piña Colada’s origin is a bit of a mystery. Some say it was whipped up by a cool bartender at the Caribe Hilton’s Beachcomber Bar in Puerto Rico in 1954. But hold up, there’s also another bartender in Barranquitas making similar claims, so we can’t be too sure — it’s like a tropical cocktail mystery!

How did the Piña Colada become a ’70s sensation?

Picture this: the 1970s, big hair, disco vibes, and everyone sipping on Piña Coladas. This tasty drink became the ultimate symbol of chillaxing in the tropics. People loved it for its sweet, chill taste, making it the go-to for beach lovers and resort hoppers alike.

Why is the Piña Colada Puerto Rico’s national sip?

Puerto Rico knows what’s up — the Puerto Rican government officially crowned the Piña Colada as their national drink in 1978, and it’s now a cultural icon because of its association with the island’s tropical identity.

FAQs

What does a Piña Colada taste like?

The Malibu Piña Colada is smooth, sweet and creamy. It has a refreshing and citrusy taste with the rich creaminess of coconut, tangy sweetness of fresh pineapple and Malibu Original white rum with coconut flavour for a burst of tropical taste.

What does Malibu add to this Piña Colada recipe?

While the classic Piña Colada recipe calls for a traditional white rum, we find that Malibu Original adds another dimension of taste with its smooth coconut flavour and sweetness that pairs perfectly with pineapple. Since it also has a lower ABV, Malibu also gives the cocktail a smoother and lighter taste. If you prefer your Piña Colada a little less sweet or less coconutty, we suggest replacing half of the Malibu Original in the recipe with another white rum, or simply add more lime juice.

Can I adjust this Piña Colada recipe to get a stronger kick of white rum?

Of course! For a stronger kick in your Piña Colada, our recommendation is reducing the quantity of Malibu Original by half and substituting the other half with your favourite white rum.

How can I make this Piña Colada recipe taste less sweet?

Definitely! We’ve experimented with a few ways to reduce the sweetness of your Piña Colada, and found the following work best. You can replace half the amount of Malibu Original in the recipe with another white rum. You can add a splash of acidity like lime or lemon juice to balance out the sweetness and add some more tangy flavour. Or you can try switching to an unsweetened coconut cream. Either one works for us.

What glass do you recommend using for making a Piña Colada at home?

We say whichever glass you like! As long as it fits all the deliciousness of your Piña Colada in it. Some of the classics include: highball glass, larger lowball glass or a wine glass. But our favourite is the hurricane glass. Its large size allows plenty of room for the cocktail, plus ice and garnishes, while the flared shape showcases the drink’s creamy, frothy texture.

Can I use coconut milk instead of cream of coconut for my Piña Colada?

You can, but we don’t recommend it since it changes the texture. We suggest using cream of coconut since it’s thicker and richer, giving the Piña Colada its signature creamy, indulgent texture. Coconut milk is thinner, so the drink will be lighter and less creamy. But if it’s all you have at home, go for it!

Your Piña Colada recipe uses cream of coconut. What’s the difference between cream of coconut and coconut cream?

There are a couple of differences. Cream of coconut contains added sugar, which makes it sweeter. Since our Piña Colada recipe is intended to be sweet, we suggest using cream of coconut. It also doesn’t make the Piña Colada split as easily as using coconut cream, which is thicker and unsweetened.

What if I don’t have a shaker or strainer to make a Piña Colada at home?

A common misconception is you can only make cocktails using pro tools. But actually, when we’re making cocktails over at a friend’s place who may not have tools, we simply use existing items around their kitchen, which also do the job just fine. For example, If you don’t have a shaker, you can use a mason jar or any large jar. As long it has a tight-fitting lid so you don’t spill any of the liquid when shaking.

Don’t have a strainer? You can use one of the following instead. A slotted spoon as you pour to keep the ice inside. The lid of your jar cover to block the ice while pouring. Or a fine-mesh sieve or a small kitchen strainer you can pour the drink through. Pretty much anything to keep the ice out when pouring.

How long do I shake the Piña Colada for?

We recommend shaking for approx. 8-12 seconds to perfectly cool the drink and avoid ice dilution. We found that shaking it for longer causes the ingredients to separate, which can ruin the creamy and smooth texture of your Piña Colada.

Why does this Piña Colada recipe not blend ingredients in a blender?

Blend or shake. The age-old question of Piña Colada recipes. Neither is wrong. We like the shake because it’s easier to make and gives it a creamy, frothy texture. If you want to blend, simply replace half the pineapple juice with chunks of fresh or frozen pineapple. Pulse blend for 15 seconds and then strain the liquid into your glass. Or you can check out our favourite Frozen Piña Colada recipe.

Is fresh pineapple juice better? Can I use canned? With or without sugar?

Yes, yes and yes! You can choose whichever one you like. We prefer fresh pineapple juice for an authentic and tangier flavour balance. Remember, some brands and options may be sweeter than others, but so are people’s taste preferences. Find what works best for you!

How can I make fresh pineapple juice?

It’s simple. To make fresh pineapple juice, just cut up chunks of fresh or frozen pineapple and place them in either a centrifuge juicer or blend them in a blender. Then strain the juice into a jar, ready to use.

Can I use pineapple chunks instead of pineapple juice?

For sure! If you’re blending or juicing, simply follow the instructions above. If you’re shaking, then simply muddle the pineapple chunks in a jar and fine-strain into the final drink.

Why is my Piña Colada separating?

Pineapple juice is acidic, so it naturally separates the ingredients if the drink is left sitting for too long. We also found that if you shake the Piña Colada for too long, it can cause the ingredients to separate. That’s why we always recommend serving the Piña Colada immediately, or you can give it a quick stir to remix the ingredients before serving.

Why is my Piña Colada watery?

There could be a few reasons why. Using coconut milk instead of cream of coconut will give it a lighter texture. If it’s over shaken, it can create too much ice dilution. If it’s left too long, the ice could melt. Or there could be too much pineapple juice. We suggest following the instructions and recipe as close as possible to avoid this.

Why is my Piña Colada bitter?

If the pineapple is old or bad, it can give a bitter taste. Also, if other ingredients have been added to the recipe, they could upset the balance of flavours. We recommend always checking the freshness of the ingredients used.

What is the perfect texture for a Piña Colada?

The perfect Piña Colada texture is smooth, light and creamy. But it shouldn’t be overly creamy or heavy. If it is, then we suggest adjusting the amount of pineapple juice to give it a balanced texture.

How can I garnish my Piña Colada?

We suggest you garnish with ingredients you have in the drink. A pineapple wedge, pineapple leaves, and coconut shavings are ideal. The amount depends how flamboyant you want your Piña Colada to look. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try a whole cherry as well for some added flair.

Can I make a frozen Piña Colada?

Yes, we’ve got you! We’ve created a slushie variation of this recipe called the Frozen Piña Colada with juicy pineapple, Malibu Original and cream of coconut with lime juice, that’s perfect for any hot and sunny occasion. Here’s our full recipe.

Does Piña Colada have alcohol in it?

Yes. Our Piña Colada recipe is made with Malibu Original, which has an ABV of 21%. This is less than a regular white rum, giving this cocktail a smooth coconutty taste.

Can I make a virgin Piña Colada?

Of course! The Virgin Piña Colada / Piña Colada Mocktail is the perfect way to enjoy a sunny afternoon. Made with juicy pineapple and condensed milk, it’s full of tropical sweetness, without any alcohol. Here’s our best Virgin Piña Colada recipe.

What can I do with my leftover ingredients?

Let’s talk zero-waste! Depending on how big or small your party is, and how much of each ingredient you use, you may be left with some additional Piña Colada ingredients. Don’t throw them away. Instead, here are some of our favorite ideas for things to do with the leftovers:

Leftover Malibu Original: We love Malibu because it’s so tasty and goes with a bunch of different cocktails. It also has a shelf life of 2 years, so you can save it for your next batch of Piña Colada making. Or check out some of our other favourite drinks you can try for your next party, like the Malibu Bay Breeze and Malibu Sunrise.

Leftover Pineapple Juice: If you haven’t tried frozen pineapple ice cubes yet, you’re in for a treat. Simply pour the leftover pineapple juice into an ice cube tray and freeze it. You can use these pineapple cubes for future cocktails or smoothies. Or check out our other Malibu and Pineapple Juice Cocktails.

Leftover Cream of Coconut: Next day brunch anyone? Cream of coconut is rich and sweet, and we think it’s a perfect dairy-free topping for pancakes, waffles, or even fruit salad. If it’s sealed properly, cream of coconut can last a few days in the fridge. So you can even use it for another batch of Piña Coladas.

Leftover Pineapple Wedge: This is easy. You can simply enjoy any extra pineapple wedges as a healthy delicious snack. Or what we like to do is grill them for a delicious caramelised, smoky treat. Grilled pineapple also works great as a dessert. Why not top it off with some of that leftover coconut cream?